We’ve all heard the term ‘overnight sensation’ and wondered how lucky that new starlet or rock star or corporate exec must be.  But the truth is they probably waited on tables, worried about making the rent, sold shoes and made a few really bad films or records along the way.  Success is the result of getting up at least one more time than you fell down.  Developing a business park requires the same tenacity.

Starting with a county landfill, utility substation, no rail access, no sewer or water, wetlands, flood plain, only one way in or out and multiple owners, Zion’s Trumpet Park was an idea that should never have made it off of the drawing board.  To make things even more unlikely, there were annexation and zoning issues and even a lawsuit to settle.

Today the Park is home to Calpine Energy, Kramer’s Kampers, ComEd, FedEx, LaFarge and the North Shore Sanitary District Reclamation Facility that is the first of its kind the world.  But we are just beginning. 

In April, our development partners will begin construction of the new Trumpet Road.  This is a $12 million dollar private investment in the park’s infrastructure.  The road will extend the access from 9th Street north through the park and open onto Russell Road.  The recent annexation of the former Goodwin Farm property adds nearly sixty acres to Trumpet Park.  Utilities will be extended alongside the roadway and regional detention will be constructed. 

Additionally, just north of the FedEx facility Panattoni Development will begin a new ‘spec’ building set at more the 150,000 sq ft in Phase One.  We are working with several relocating companies that are in need of shovel ready sites and/or build to suit opportunities in Lake County.  In partnership with the State of Illinois and Lake County, prospects will have a genuine competitive alternative to jumping the state line in 2008.

We are also in discussions with the State of Illinois for direct rail access into the park.  Today’s companies must be more efficient and cost effective to compete with overseas businesses and rail is an advantage over rising fuel prices and traffic congestion. 

The east entrance to Trumpet Park at 9th and Greenbay Road will soon become a very active site in the park.  Formerly slated to be part of the Cell B landfill operations, the NW corner is being prepared as a commercial pad-ready site.  This is a remarkable coup considering only a few years ago most of this land was considered blighted and unusable by most standards.

New monument signs will be erected over the summer and we hope to be able to announce the several of the new businesses that will be joining the Park later this year.  So if you happen to hear anyone comment on the ‘overnight success’ of Trumpet Park, just smile and remember that, like all real successes, it took years of hard work to make it look so easy.

Happy Holidays to all our business partners in Zion and the Zion Area.  For upcoming news and events please check out www.cityofzion.com.